Beware of these five parasites in sheep
Intestinal worms in sheep are a serious problem for farmers, particularly communal farmers, and the timeous detection and treatment thereof are crucial for reducing possible financial losses and/or mortalities. Janine Ryan...
How Angus cattle add value to a fruit farm
The production of Angus cattle enables Western Cape farmer Gielie Geldenhuys to make use of land unsuitable for fruit or onion production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his diversification...
Bonsmaras that set bank-breaking records
Due to their popularity, Bonsmaras have fetched high prices at auctions for many years. In this article, we list some of the highest prices achieved at sales.
Indigenous veld goats: the ideal option for extreme conditions
Changing weather conditions and Africa’s severe poverty demand tough, easy-to-care-for livestock. The answer, says breeder Deon Vlok, is indigenous veld goats.
Regenerative medicine for horses
Stem cells, platelets and serum can be reinjected into an injured joint or ligament to improve healing in horses, says Dr Mac.
Fertility and meat quality: the traits driving the growing demand for Brafords
What do you get when you cross a Brahman with a Hereford? You get the Braford: a fertile animal with amazing mothering abilities that has a long life expectancy and...
SA’s oldest Angora stud: building on a foundation of excellence
The Martyrsford Angora Stud in the Eastern Cape was founded in 1871. Current owner Sean Hobson explained the standards and commitment that have long inspired the farm’s owners to Annelie...
South Devon cows and heifers: the central pillar of stud efficiency
The Roets family of the Eastern Cape’s Barkly East district has been associated with South Devon cattle for approximately 90 years. Yet it was only in 2017 that PD Roets...
How to optimise beef cattle production
Optimisation of the environment is the single most important requirement for sustainable beef production, according to animal scientist Hennie Snyman. For that to happen, the implementation of precision farming principles...
First-aid basics for small-scale poultry farmers
Commercial poultry producers have their own vets on call, but it’s not always easy for small-scale farmers to reach a vet in an emergency. In the final segment in our...
‘FMD restrictions are late, but necessary’
Role players in the South African beef industry believe that, although they have come at a rather late stage in the game, the government-enforced restrictions on the movement of cattle...
The cattle most at risk from lion attacks
In a recent study, researchers at the University of Pretoria attempt to explain why some types of cattle may be more likely to serve as prey for lions.
Raise weaning weights through good nutrition and fertility
Top-quality heifers and well-balanced nutrition form two of the most important cornerstones of effective red meat production, writes Henco Leicester, technical manager at Telwiedre, an animal feed manufacturer, in Heilbron....
Using micro-organisms to improve profitability in poultry production
Increasing production, reducing mortality rates, and managing diseases and pests are the three pillars of success in chicken production. Studies show that a way of achieving this winning combination may...
Breeding for conformation
Conformation is essential when breeding horses for a specific purpose, says Dr Mac. As conformation is achieved mostly through genetic means, breeders need to choose dams and sires with care.
Marketing and animal welfare: key to success
Innovative marketing and customer relationships are essential to a modern piggery, says Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo. He spoke to Magda du Toit about running a superior pig...
‘FMD still poses a major threat to SA livestock’
The spread of foot-and-mouth disease across South Africa will continue unrelentingly unless all industry players step up to the plate and do their part to control the disease as much...
Gladys Towbola shares tips for small-scale poultry producers
Gladys ‘Nana’ Towbola of Peezel Farms not only farms broilers and layers, but is passionate about uplifting other small-scale growers through regular workshops. She spoke to Susan Marais about what...
How a top dairy farmer is mitigating high input costs
JK Basson is a three-time winner of the ARC’s National Master Dairyman of the Year Award. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he manages to survive in an industry...
Your one-stop guide to BLUP breeding values
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling of the Agricultural Research Council provide recommendations to help breeders apply good management and recording practices that can optimise their herds’ genetic evaluations.
